Skate

ABSTRACT

A boot extension arrangement extends the upper boot portion of a skate to accommodate additional forward flex of the skater&#39;s lower leg about the ankle while maintaining or contributing to lateral stiffness. Two extenders are attached either side of the upper boot portion that oppose vertical buckling while allowing the boot to wrap around an open channel that accommodates bending movement of the user&#39;s lower leg about the ankle. The ability to flex forwardly and provide lateral stiffness throughout the movement contributes to better skater performance.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to hockey skates and in particular toimprovements that allow increased leg flexion movement in the upperportion of the boot of the skate.

BACKGROUND

My earlier U.S. Pat. No. 7,562,881 discloses a lace extensionarrangement secured at the upper portion of a boot of a hockey skatethat accommodates additional bending or flexion about the ankle in aforward/rearward direction. This increased flexion often providesimproved performance for the user.

In my earlier design, lace extensions are provided at the upper edge ofthe hockey boot that allows the user to thread the lace through one ofseveral forwardly extending eyelets appropriate to define a forward endposition of the top opening of the hockey skate (flexion channel). Theseries of generally horizontal eyelets allow the user to determine theamount of bending or leg flexion that is accommodated. In my preferredembodiment, the two extension arms are joined by a U-shaped portion thatextends behind the heel of the boot and the arms are secured by securingmechanisms that engage the top eyelets of the skate. Three forwardlyextending eyelets are provided and the user can select which of theseeyelets is best for his skating preferences.

The present invention also allows adjustment of the flexion channel andprovides additional flexibility for the user to customize theinstallation of a combination boot and lace extender. The boot extenderaccording to the invention allows the user to modify the characteristicsof the skate and determine their own optimum or preferred position.

SUMMARY

A boot extension arrangement according to the present invention is foruse in association with the boot of a hockey skate. The hockey skateboot includes two opposed series of eyelets that cooperate with a tonguefor adjustably closing the front portion of the skate using a lace. Theboot extension arrangement comprises two extension portions located onopposite sides of an upper portion of the boot and cooperate to definean increased flexion channel therebetween to accommodate a user's legwhen in a forward flex position. Each extension portion projectsforwardly of a rearward-most eyelet of the series of eyelets forreceiving laces at a position forward of a conventional securementposition and has at least two vertically spaced apertures forselectively receiving a lace at the forward position.

According to an aspect of the invention the boot extension arrangementfurther includes two securement means located on opposite sides of theboot for securing the boot extension arrangements to the opposing seriesof eyelets. Each securement is comprised of a first securement aperturefor mechanical securement of the boot extension arrangement through saidtop eyelet and a second securement aperture for securement to an eyeletbelow said top eyelet in said series of eyelets for receiving a lace.

According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the boot extensionmember is mechanically secured to the boot on an outside surface of theboot.

According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the boot extensionmember is mechanically secured to the boot on an inside surface of theboot.

In yet a further aspect of the invention, the boot extension arrangementincludes removable padding material secured to an inside edge of theboot extension arrangement.

In a preferred aspect of the invention the boot extension arrangement isan integral component of the boot.

A boot extension for securement to a hockey skate comprises an extensionportion having at least two vertically spaced apertures for selectivelyreceiving laces at a forward position, and a securement portion spacedrearwardly of the forward portion for securement of said lace extensionto the boot of the hockey skate. The securement portion comprises afirst securement aperture for mechanical securement to the bootextension to an upper eyelet in one of said opposed series of eyelets ofthe hockey skate and a second securement aperture for securement to aneyelet below said top eyelet in said series of eyelets.

In yet a further aspect of the invention, the second securement apertureis elongated in the vertical direction to accommodate different spacingbetween eyelets from one skate to a different skate.

In a different aspect of the invention the lace extension concept isintegrated with a hockey skate. The boat of the hockey skate has abottom portion and an upper portion having two sides. Each side of theupper portion of the boot includes a boot extension portion extendingforwardly of the junction between the upper portion and the lowerportion of the boot and defines a flexion channel therebetween toaccommodate a user's leg when in a forward flexed position. The boot hasa securing set of two opposed series of eyelets for receiving a lace andsecuring the user's foot in the boot. A vertically spaced extension setof the two opposed series of eyelets are located on each extensionportion of the boot. The top eyelet of the extension set of the twoopposed series of eyelets is substantially forward of the rearmosteyelet of the securing set of the two opposed series of eyelets. In thisway, the lace is passed through the eyelets, the user can utilize theseries of eyelets on the extension portion of the boot to vary thelength of the flexion channel.

In a preferred aspect of the invention, the two opposed series ofeyelets are located across the bottom portion of the boot and extend towhere the upper portion and the bottom portion of the boot meet.

In yet a further aspect of the invention, the securing set of twoopposed series of eyelets is located across the bottom portion of theboot and extends to part way up the upper portion of the boot.

With the present invention the user can selectively alter the length ofthe flexion channel and can use the lace system to vary the length ofthe flexion channel to optimize his performance. Significantimprovements in performance are typically realized with respect tofaster skating, more powerful acceleration per push and enhanced agilityand stability. This system allows a user to experiment with differentsetups to find a particular setup that provides him with the desiredperformance and confidence.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a hockey skate with the extension membersecured to one side of the boot of the skate;

FIG. 2. is a side view of the extension member designed to be secured tothe hockey boot as an after-market product or as an adjustable oroptional part of the hockey skate when originally sold;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the skate with two extension memberssecured to the boot;

FIG. 4 shows a portion of a user showing the ability of the modifiedhockey skate to accommodate extensive flexion of the leg within theupper portion of the boot; and

FIG. 5 is a sideview of a boot, a person's foot and a boot stockmeasurement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a hockey skate 2 having a boot 4 of thetraditional type having a lower boot portion 6 and an upper boot portion8. A tongue 10 is positioned within an opening of the skate and theskate is tightened about a user's foot using the two series of eyeletsprovided either side of the skate and tensioning the lace 12.

If the boot extension arrangement 20 was not present, two additionaleyelets of the one series of eyelets would be visible at the upperportion of the upper boot. These eyelets are presently covered by theboot extension arrangement 20 which extends forwardly of theconventional securement position 19 of the lace and provides a series offorward eyelets 40 adjacent the front edge of the boot extensionarrangement. These forward eyelets 40 as shown have three eyelets andthe eyelets are vertically spaced. The vertical separation of theseeyelets allows the user to select the number of eyelets he wishes to useto customize the flexion channel 30 defined between the achilles tendonguard 60 and the tongue 10. The flexion channel 30 includes a lengthbetween the achilles guard 60 and the tongue 10 indicated as 32.

With the boot extension arrangement as shown in FIG. 1 a user can modifyconventional skates to customize the length of the flexion channel 30and this has been found to significantly impact the skatingcharacteristics of the user. The boot extension arrangement is shown asmechanically secured to the upper two eyelets of the conventional seriesof eyelets of a hockey skate and each extension member at the forwardportion 26 thereof includes the series of forward eyelets 40 whereadjacent eyelets of the series are vertically spaced. The verticalseparation allows the mouth of the flexion channel 30 to vary lowering afront edge thereof if desired. Also the eyelets can be used incombination.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 4 the boot extenders 22 are mechanicallyfastened to the upper boot 8 and extend the boot forward while stillallowing inward curvature or deflection of boot narrowing and eventuallydetermining a closed from of the flexion channel 30. These extenders arenot merely lace extenders as they cooperate and extend the upper bootportion and assist in providing lateral stability or stiffness.

For example, a user may choose to only use the bottom pair of eyelets,or the bottom pair in combination with the middle eyelets, or all threepairs of eyelets. A user may also experiment using only the middle orupper eyelets. If the user only uses the lower pair of eyelets thelength of the flexion channel 30 is generally lengthened and thus he canbend his leg farther forward before encountering. It has been found thatthe upper portion 8 of the conventional hockey skate is quite stiff andprovides excellent side to side rigidity and stability for the skater.The boot extension members 22 are also of a relatively stiff material(i.e. similar to that of the boot) and thus form an extension of theboot and do not readily bend towards each other but rather deflecttowards each other under the influence of the lace as the boot woulddeflect. This arrangement generally keeps the flexion channel 30 openuntil restricted by the laces. There is some deflection of the bootextension members towards each other at the forward edge and dependingupon the tension applied to the laces, this adjustment is also variableby the user.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 4 the boot extenders 22 are mechanicallyfastened to the upper boot 8 and extend the boot forward while stillallowing inward curvature or deflection of boot narrowing and eventuallydetermining a closed front of the flexion channel 30. These extendersare not merely lace extenders as they cooperate and extend the upperboot portion and assist in providing lateral stability or stiffness.

The boot extension members preferably are of a plastic that can beheated to allow some bending or curvature and then cooled. This providesfor further customization by a supplier or the end user. A preferredmaterial for the boot extension members is supplied by Dupont under themark Delrin 100 ST™.

The particular placement of the eyelets in a conventional boot at theupper portion of the boot (i.e. the top two or three eyelets) does varyfrom hockey skate to hockey skate. To accommodate this, the extensionmembers 22 include at a rear edge of the extension member a single port,namely the upper port, for receiving a mechanical fastener and a slottype aperture 55 therebelow for receiving a second mechanical fastener.In this way the slot 55 provides flexibility to accommodate thedifferent spacing and positioning of the eyelets that is encounteredfrom skate to skate. The preferred length of the extension members 22 isapproximately 1.5 inches and this provides a very significantmodification of the flexion channel 30. We have also found that theseextension members can be sold in a shorter length (i.e. approximately 1inch) and this will provide approximately 15 degrees of additionalflexion whereas the longer member provides approximately 25 degrees offlexion forward. The distance between the top edge and the bottom edgeof the boot extenders 22 is preferably about 1.25 to 1.5 inches.

The rearward ports of the extension member provide firm securement ofthe member to the upper portion of the hockey boot and thus theextension members form extension portions of the boot and have similartype characteristics. The two securement points avoid pivoting of theextension member and the series of forward eyelets provide forsignificant adjustment by the end user to experience the skate atdifferent adjustment points and determine a position that the particularuser finds both advantageous and acceptable. As shown these memberspreferably extend the upper boot position either side thereof andprovide some lateral stability due to the significant size top to bottomand the positive attachment at two or more points to function in themanner of the upper boot. The thickness of the extenders is similar tothe walls of the upper boot and are not prone to buckling or folding.Movement of the extenders towards one another during lace tightening istransmitted back to the upper boot together with some deflection of theextenders.

The particular material of the extension members must react to relativecold conditions that may occur playing hockey outside, for example, aswell as much warmer temperatures that are experienced in the later partof the season. The Delrin 100 ST™ material is quite durable with respectto shocks and will not crack during normal use. Other similar materialscan be used. The materials used for existing molded plastic hockeyskates may also be suitable.

In a preferred embodiment, the extension arms are made to be integralwith the hockey boot and can also be made such that the upper portion ofthe boot is of a different material than the lower boot portion. It isdesirable that the particular type of plastic used can also be adjustedor modified by the end user by heating of the plastic by placing theextension member in boiling water and/or providing low heat such as by ahair dryer it is possible to bend the plastic, and the typicalmodifications are to bend it slightly inwardly providing a desiredcurvature, however it is also possible to deflect it in the verticalplane perhaps to open up the upper edge, for example. Once the memberhas been appropriately adjusted by the user, it is cooled and set andgenerally retains that shape unless it is reheated and adjusted again.As shown in the drawings it is not only lengthening the flexion channelbut also providing some of the same type of side to side stability forthe extend flexion channel. In contrast the lower boot portion and thelace system is primarily about securement and comfort.

FIG. 3 shows a hockey boot with the two extension members applied orsecured either side of the boot. It has been shown without the laceextending through the eyelets for clarity. The end user would select theappropriate eyelets he wishes to establish his particular length of theflexion channel and typically this is done merely by performanceevaluation and/or comfort evaluation by the user.

In FIG. 5, an extension measurement 100 is shown that is helpful inusing the boot extenders on a particular boot. The boot stockmeasurement 104 is the measurement from the heel to the vertical linethat passes through the forward most extension point 106 where theuser's shin is restrained by the laces. Typically the 55 degree angle isa good base point. The boot stock measurement varies by the user. Theextender length is then determined by measuring from the top eyelet 102to point 106. In most cases this is about 1 inch. The spaced verticaleyelets allow the user to adjust around this average setting.

Modern skates are now very stiff and if tied in the conventional mannerthe angle of flexion is very restricted due to the stiffness of theboots. The extenders allow additional bend and contribute to lateralstiffness in the extended structure.

These extenders use the stiffness of the upper portion of the boot toallow the extenders to pull the sides of the upper portion inwardly(providing side support) while extending the amount of flex. It can beappreciated that during skating a dynamic movement and deflection of theupper portion of the boot occurs and the extenders in combination withthe boot maintain lateral stiffness.

Building the component into a boot is advantageous as there are noseparate connection members (possible point of weakness) and the productis more efficient, lighter and comfortable.

It has been found that there are very significant increases in skateperformance such as increased stride length, more power, expandedmobility, enhanced ankle flexion, greater knee bend and better balanceto name a number of the improvements. FIG. 4 shows a lower portion of auser with two skates and the extent that one leg is significantly bentwhile the other one is more vertical.

The present invention provides a simple and effective approach forallowing a user to modify a conventional hockey skate or to modify thestructure of a conventional hockey boot in a new manner that isintegrated with the boot to provide a much greater flexion channel thanconventional hockey skates. This approach of extending the upper portionof a boot is also useful in other stiff skates such as figure skates,speed skates and roller blades. The hockey skate application is perhapsmore demanding and difficult.

Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention havebeen described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilledin the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing fromthe appended claims.

1. A boot extension arrangement for use with a skate having a boot withtwo opposed series of eyelets for receiving a lace used for securementof the skate, said boot extension arrangement comprising; two extensionportions located on opposite sides of an upper portion of said boot anddefining a flexion channel therebetween to accommodate a user's leg whenin a forward flexed position; each extension portion projectingforwardly of a rearward most eyelet of said series of eyelets forreceiving laces at a position forward of a conventional securementposition and said forward position having at least two vertically spacedapertures for selectively receiving a lace at the forward position.
 2. Aboot extension arrangement as claimed in claim 1, said boot extensionarrangement further includes two securement means located on oppositeside of said boot for securing said boot extension arrangement toopposing series of eyelets; each securement means comprising a firstsecurement aperture for mechanical securement of said boot extensionarrangement through said top eyelet and a second securement aperture forsecurement to an eyelet below said top eyelet in said series of eyeletsfor receiving a lace.
 3. A boot extension arrangement as claimed inclaim 2 wherein said boot extension member is mechanically secured tosaid boot on an outside surface of the boot.
 4. A boot extensionarrangement as claimed in claim 2 wherein said boot extension member ismechanically secured to said boot on an inside surface of the boot.
 5. Aboot extension arrangement as claimed in claim 4 wherein a back edge ofsaid boot extension arrangement is tapered in its thickness to reducefriction.
 6. A boot extension arrangement as claimed in claim 4including a removable padding material secured to said back edge of saidboot extension arrangement.
 7. A boot extension arrangement as claimedin claim 1 wherein said boot extension arrangement is an integralcomponent of said boot.
 8. A boot extension arrangement as claimed inclaim I wherein said extension portions include at least 3 aperturesspaced generally vertically from one another for receiving laces.
 9. Aboot extension for securement to a skate having two opposed series ofeyelets for receiving a lace, said boot extension arrangementcomprising; an extension portion having at least two vertically spacedapertures for selectively receiving laces; a securement portion spacedfrom said extension portion for securement of said lace extension to thehockey skate; said securement portion comprising a first securementaperture for mechanical securement of said boot extension to an uppereyelet in one of said opposed series of eyelets and a second securementaperture for securement to an eyelet below said top eyelet in saidseries of eyelets.
 10. A boot extension as claimed in claim 9 whereinsaid second securement aperture is elongated in the vertical directionto accommodate various spacing's between eyelets on different skates.11. A boot extension arrangement as claimed in claim 10 wherein saidboot extension member is mechanically secured to said boot on an outsidesurface of the boot.
 12. A boot extension arrangement as claimed inclaim 10 wherein said boot extension member is mechanically secured tosaid boot on an inside surface of the boot.
 13. A boot extensionarrangement as claimed in claim 12 wherein a back edge of said bootextension arrangement is tapered in its thickness to reduce friction.14. A boot extension arrangement as claimed in claim 12 including aremovable padding material secured to said back edge of said bootextension arrangement.
 15. A boot extension arrangement as claimed inclaim 9 wherein said extension portions include at least 3 verticallyspaced apertures for selectively receiving a lace.
 16. A skatecomprising: a boot having a bottom portion and an upper portion havingtwo sides; each side of said upper portion of said boot including a bootextension portion extending forwardly of the junction between the upperportion and lower portion of the boot and defining a flexion channeltherebetween to accommodate a user's leg when in a forward flexedposition; said boot having a securing set of two opposed series ofeyelets for receiving a lace and securing a user's foot to the boot, anda vertically spaced extension set of two opposed series of eyeletslocated on each extension portion of the boot; wherein a top eyelet ofsaid extension set of two opposed series of eyelets is substantiallyforward of the rearmost eyelet of the securing set of two opposed seriesof eyelets.
 17. A skate as claimed in claim 16 wherein said securing setof two opposed series of eyelets is located across the bottom portion ofthe boot and extends to where the upper portion and bottom portion ofthe boot meet.
 18. A skate as claimed in claim 16 wherein said securingset of two opposed series of eyelets is located across the bottomportion of the boot and extends to partway up the upper portion of theboot.
 19. A skate as claimed in claim 16 wherein said skate is an icehockey skate.
 20. A skate as claimed in claim 16 wherein said skate is afigure skate or a speed skate.